South Carolina Republicans Scramble for Graham Seat Ahead of Aug. 11 Primary

3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 13

A monthlong race to fill Lindsey Graham’s full six-year Senate term is underway, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and former challenger Mark Lynch all weighing bids.
Aug. 11 is the special primary date, and the compressed campaign could pull House Republicans off the floor just as leaders try to protect their narrow majority and discourage members from running.
Gov. Henry McMaster still must appoint an interim senator, but his office said its immediate focus is honoring Graham rather than detailing the replacement process.
Senate Republicans are also managing Graham’s absence alongside Mitch McConnell’s continued hospitalization, while jockeying begins over Graham’s committee seats and Democrats’ already slim pickup hopes dim further.

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A Senate seat is now vacant. How does South Carolina's unique election law test its political system before November?

How does the constitutional process for filling a Senate vacancy highlight the debate over how senators are selected?

South Carolina’s Senate Race Upended: The Sudden Death of Lindsey Graham, Legal Succession, and the 2026 Special Election Battle

Overview

Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing on July 11, 2026, left a major impact on South Carolina and national politics. Known as a trusted adviser and key Republican voice, Graham’s strong support for former President Donald Trump—especially on border security, Iran, and conservative judges—shaped his legacy in foreign policy and the judiciary. His death prompted immediate reactions from leaders like Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Governor Henry McMaster, who now holds the authority to appoint a temporary replacement. The process for filling Graham’s Senate seat is guided by South Carolina law, setting the stage for a closely watched special election.

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